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Abstract:

The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard
includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The
rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to
rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to
stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can
stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the
rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the
player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short
distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. Since
the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the backboard, and
therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional backboards
without the player missing the backboard. This allows the backboard to be
light, portable, and easily stored. Because of the addition of a soft
deadening layer, the firm backing layer of the backboard can also be thin
and made of lighter and weaker material than a conventional backboard,
reducing the weight of the backboard.

Claims:

1. A tennis training apparatus comprising:(a) a backboard comprising (i) a
firm backing layer underneath (ii) a soft deadening layer comprising a
resilient polymer foam layer that is at least 2 inches thick, the
resilient polymer foam layer having a top, bottom, left, and right edge,
and (iii) a flange coupled to the firm backing layer and located above,
below, to the left, and to the right of the foam layer; mounted on(b) a
stand;wherein rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as
compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard, and wherein the
apparatus is portable;wherein the apparatus, excluding any detachable
weights added to provide stability, weighs less than 100 pounds and can
be moved by being carried by one adult of average strength without
tools;wherein the stand comprises a plurality of legs, the backboard has
a top and a bottom edge and a right and a left edge, and the backboard is
mounted on the stand such that the bottom edge of the backboard is
2.5-4.0 feet above the groundwherein the backboard further comprises a
fabric cover having a perimeter and having a cord attached to the fabric
cover around the perimeter, the fabric cover overlying the resilient
polymer foam layer with the cord cinched behind the flange above, below,
to the right, and to the left of the foam layer.

2. The tennis training apparatus of claim 1 wherein the firm backing layer
is composed primarily of plastic, has a back surface and a front surface,
and has protruding ribs formed on its back surface that enhance rigidity
of the plastic firm backing layer.

3. The tennis training apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lower net
that is attached directly or indirectly to the legs or firm backing layer
and extend below the backboard to the ground to catch missed tennis balls
below the backboard.

4. The tennis training apparatus of claim 3 wherein the net has an upper
edge and includes a solid fabric band along the upper edge and the solid
fabric band includes an elastic band to hold the upper edge of the net
taut.

5. The tennis training apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a second
net that is an upper net that is attached directly or indirectly to the
firm backing layer and extends above the backboard to catch tennis balls
that miss above the backboard.

6. The tennis training apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus further
comprises two upper net poles, and two or more net pole holders, wherein
the net pole holders are attached directly or indirectly to the firm
backing layer and hold the upper net poles, wherein the upper net has a
left and right lateral edge and an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper
net comprises fabric pockets on the left and right lateral edges adapted
to fit over the upper net poles, and the upper net comprises an elastic
attached along the upper edge of the upper net adapted to keep the upper
edge of the upper net taut on the apparatus.

7. A tennis training apparatus comprising:(a) a backboard comprising (i) a
firm backing layer underneath (ii) a soft deadening layer comprising a
resilient polymer foam layer that is at least 2 inches thick; mounted
on(b) a stand;wherein rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is
reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard, and
wherein the apparatus is portable;wherein the apparatus, excluding any
detachable weights added to provide stability, weighs less than 100
pounds and can be moved by being carried by one adult of average strength
without tools;wherein the firm backing layer is composed primarily of
plastic, has a back surface and a front surface, and has protruding ribs
formed on its back surface that enhance rigidity of the plastic firm
backing layer.

8. The tennis training apparatus of claim 7 wherein the stand comprises a
plurality of legs, the backboard has a top and a bottom edge and a right
and a left edge, and the backboard is mounted on the stand such that the
bottom edge of the backboard is 2.5-4.0 feet above the ground.

9. The tennis training apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a lower net
adapted to be attached directly or indirectly to the legs or firm backing
layer and extend below the backboard to the ground to catch missed tennis
balls below the backboard.

10. The tennis training apparatus of claim 9 wherein the lower net has an
upper edge and includes a solid fabric band along the upper edge and the
solid fabric band includes an elastic band to hold the upper edge of the
net taut.

11. The tennis training apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a second
net that is an upper net that is attached directly or indirectly to the
firm backing layer and extends above the backboard to catch tennis balls
that miss above the backboard.

12. The tennis training apparatus of claim 11 wherein the apparatus
further comprises two upper net poles, and two or more net pole holders,
wherein the net pole holders are attached directly or indirectly to the
firm backing layer and hold the upper net poles, wherein the upper net
has a left and right lateral edge and an upper edge and a lower edge, the
upper net comprises fabric pockets on the left and right lateral edges
adapted to fit over the upper net poles, and the upper net comprises an
elastic attached along the upper edge of the upper net adapted to keep
the upper edge of the upper net taut on the apparatus.

13. A kit for building a tennis training apparatus, the kit comprising:one
or more pieces of resilient polymer foam;a first fabric cover;one or more
support pieces adapted to be attached to a firm backing layer and to
support the foam pieces so that they rest against the firm backing layer;
andconnectors for connecting the firm backing layer to a stand;wherein
the firm backing layer, foam, and first fabric cover form a backboard,
and the backboard is attached to the stand to form a tennis training
apparatus;wherein the kit does not contain the firm backing layer or
stand.

14. The kit of claim 13 further comprising a lower net adapted to be
attached directly or indirectly to the stand or firm backing layer and
extend below the backboard to the ground to catch missed tennis balls
below the backboard.

15. The kit of claim 14 wherein the lower net has an upper edge and
includes a solid white fabric band along the upper edge and the solid
white fabric band includes an elastic band to hold the upper edge of the
net taut.

16. The kit of claim 13 wherein the first fabric cover is not waterproof,
the kit further comprising a detachable waterproof rain cover adapted to
be removed when the apparatus is in use.

17. The kit of claim 13 wherein in the apparatus the foam pieces are
detachable from the firm backing layer.

18. The kit of claim 13 wherein the kit includes more than one foam piece,
the foam pieces are adapted to abut each other laterally on the firm
backing layer, and be covered by the fabric cover in the tennis rebound
apparatus, the fabric cover covering the abutment between the foam
pieces.

19. The kit of claim 13 wherein the foam pieces can cover an area of no
more than 40 square feet.

20. The kit of claim 13 wherein the first fabric cover is not waterproof,
the kit further comprising a second non-waterproof fabric cover adapted
to fit over the foam pieces and first fabric cover on the backboard and
to decrease the rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard by at least
one foot.

21. The kit of claim 14 further comprising a second net that is an upper
net adapted to be attached directly or indirectly to the firm backing
layer and to extend above the backboard to catch tennis balls that miss
above the backboard.

22. The kit of claim 21 wherein the kit further comprises two upper net
poles, and two or more net pole holders, the net pole holders adapted to
be attached directly or indirectly to the firm backing layer and to hold
the upper net poles, wherein the upper net has a left and right lateral
edge and an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper net comprises fabric
pockets on the left and right lateral edges adapted to fit over the upper
net poles, and the upper net comprises an elastic attached along the
upper edge of the upper net adapted to keep the upper edge of the upper
net taut on the apparatus.

23. The kit of claim 13 wherein the support pieces are brackets having a
surface for attachment to the firm backing layer and a horizontal support
surface that is 2 or more inches wide for supporting the foam pieces.

24. The kit of claim 23 wherein the horizontal support surface of each
bracket is 2-5 inches wide.

[0002]A tennis backboard is a useful tool to enjoy some tennis when a
player cannot find a partner. A backboard is also a good practice tool
for a player to improve his or her skills. Hitting against a backboard
can also be good exercise.

[0003]However, backboards are heavy and immobile. They are very large and
therefore not suited for home use. It also requires a fairly high level
of tennis skill to keep a rally against a backboard going for more than a
few shots. This limits the usefulness of a backboard for a player to
"groove" her shots. The track of a ball bouncing off a backboard also
typically is lower than a ball in a rally, resulting in a lower bounce
than a player gets in a real match, which impairs the usefulness of the
backboard for practice.

[0004]New tennis training devices are needed. Preferably, a new training
device would be suited for home use and easily moved. Preferably a new
training device would facilitate long consecutive rallies by players and
help players develop consistent strokes. Preferably, a new training
device would be easier for beginning players to use.

SUMMARY

[0005]The invention provides a new tennis backboard design. The backboard
includes a firm backing layer underlying a soft deadening layer. The
rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to
rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. This allows a player to
stand fairly close to the backboard, which reduces misses. The player can
stand fairly close and hit balls hard against the backboard. Because the
rebound is reduced, the ball simply bounces back softly and easily to the
player, allowing the player to hit hard again from a fairly short
distance. Thus, long rallies without missing are easily achieved. The
ball tends to come back to the same spot, allowing a player to hit the
same shot with the same form over and over again. This makes for
excellent practice where a player can really "groove" his or her strokes.
Since long rallies are so easy, hitting against this backboard is also
excellent exercise. Rallies tend to be limited only by the player getting
tired, instead of by missing the board or the ball bouncing away.

[0006]Since the bounce is reduced, the player can stand closer to the
backboard, and therefore the backboard can be smaller than conventional
backboards without the player missing the backboard. This allows the
backboard to be light, portable, and easily stored. Because of the
addition of a soft deadening layer, the firm backing layer of the
backboard can also be thin and made of lighter and weaker material than a
conventional backboard, reducing the weight of the backboard.

[0007]Thus, one embodiment of the invention provides a tennis training
apparatus comprising: (a) a backboard comprising (i) a firm backing layer
underneath (ii) a soft deadening layer comprising a resilient polymer
foam layer that is at least 2 inches thick, the resilient polymer foam
layer having a top, bottom, left, and right edge, and (iii) a flange
coupled to the firm backing layer and located above, below, to the left,
and to the right of the foam layer; mounted on (b) a stand. Rebound of a
tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a
rigid hard-surface backboard. The apparatus is portable. Excluding any
detachable weights added to provide stability, the apparatus weighs less
than 100 pounds and can be moved by being carried by one adult of average
strength without tools. The stand comprises a plurality of legs, the
backboard has a top and a bottom edge and a right and a left edge, and
the backboard is mounted on the stand such that the bottom edge of the
backboard is 2.5-4.0 feet above the ground. The backboard further
comprises a fabric cover having a perimeter and having a cord attached to
the fabric cover around the perimeter, the fabric cover overlying the
resilient polymer foam layer with the cord cinched behind the flange
above, below, to the right, and to the left of the foam layer.

[0008]Another embodiment of the invention provides a tennis training
apparatus comprising: (a) a backboard comprising (i) a firm backing layer
underneath (ii) a soft deadening layer comprising a resilient polymer
foam layer that is at least 2 inches thick; mounted on (b) a stand.
Rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard is reduced as compared to
rebound from a rigid hard-surface backboard. The apparatus is portable.
Excluding any detachable weights added to provide stability, the
apparatus weighs less than 100 pounds and can be moved by being carried
by one adult of average strength without tools. The firm backing layer is
composed primarily of plastic, has a back surface and a front surface,
and has protruding ribs formed on its back surface that enhance rigidity
of the plastic firm backing layer.

[0009]Another embodiment of the invention provides a kit for building a
tennis training apparatus, the kit comprising: (a) one or more pieces of
resilient polymer foam; (b) a fabric cover; (c) one or more support
pieces adapted to be attached to a firm backing layer and to support the
foam pieces so that they rest against the firm backing layer; and (d)
connectors for connecting the firm backing layer to a stand; wherein the
firm backing layer, foam, and fabric cover form a backboard, and the
backboard is attached to a stand to form a tennis training apparatus; and
wherein the kit does not contain the firm backing layer or stand.

[0010]One embodiment of the invention provides a tennis training apparatus
that includes a backboard having (i) a firm backing layer underneath (ii)
a soft deadening layer; wherein rebound of a tennis ball from the
backboard is reduced as compared to rebound from a rigid hard-surface
backboard. Preferably the backboard is mounted on a plurality of legs in
the apparatus. Preferably the apparatus is portable. Preferably, the
apparatus weighs less than 100 pounds and can be carried by one adult of
average strength without tools.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1A shows the firm backing layer, flange, and stand of a tennis
training apparatus of the invention.

[0012]FIG. 1B shows a back view of one embodiment of the apparatus showing
supporting ribs in the firm backing layer.

[0013]FIG. 2A shows an apparatus with foam pieces.

[0014]FIG. 2B shows one embodiment of a complete tennis training apparatus
of the invention.

[0015]FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of a complete tennis training apparatus
of the invention with upper net and lower net.

[0016]FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a tennis training apparatus of the
invention with a rain cover.

[0017]FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a tennis training apparatus of the
invention with firm backing layer and stand.

[0018]FIG. 6A shows an apparatus with foam pieces.

[0019]FIG. 6B shows one embodiment of a complete tennis training apparatus
of the invention assembled from a kit.

[0020]FIG. 6C shows a tennis training apparatus of the invention assembled
from a kit with a rain cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

[0021]The term "portable" as used herein means able to be moved by one
adult of average strength without tools, either by carrying, dragging, or
rolling. An apparatus is considered portable herein if it weighs less
than 120 pounds, or if it weighs less than 200 pounds and has wheels or
low-friction gliders that can be used to roll or slide the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION

[0022]The invention provides a tennis backboard and an apparatus involving
a tennis backboard mounted on legs. A tennis training apparatus 1 of the
invention that includes a tennis backboard 10 of the invention mounted on
the legs 31 of a stand 30 is shown in FIGS. 1A-6C. The backboard includes
a firm backing layer 11 underlying a soft deadening layer 12.

[0023]The firm backing layer and soft deadening layer can be any suitable
materials such that an appropriate rebound of a struck tennis ball is
provided by the backboard. An appropriate rebound is a rebound that
carries the tennis ball a distance at which a player can conveniently hit
the ball repeatedly against the backboard. The ball rebounds a lesser
distance than it would from a conventional rigid hard-surface backboard.
Preferably the rebound carries the ball a distance such that the player
can stand less than about 30 feet from the board to engage in a
ground-stroke rally with the board (i.e., a rally wherein the player hits
the ball on one bounce). Preferably, the rebound carries the ball a
distance such that the player can stand about 12 to about 25 feet from
the board to engage in a ground-stroke rally with the board. For a player
to stand a given distance from the board in a ground-stroke rally, the
ball would rebound to bounce on the ground about 2/3 to 3/4 of the
distance from the board that the player should stand.

[0024]The firm backing layer can be composed of any suitable material such
that the firm backing layer provides adequate support to the soft
deadening layer to give a consistent and appropriate rebound of the
tennis ball from the backboard. For instance, it can comprise wood,
fiberglass, plastic, or metal, or a combination thereof.

[0025]In a particular embodiment, the firm backing layer is an open mesh.
By open mesh, it is meant that the firm backing layer has spaces that
pass through it. For instance, it has been found that chicken wire is an
adequate firm backing layer, particularly if supported by more rigid
frame member behind it.

[0026]The firm backing layer can be a rigid or semi-rigid layer of, for
instance, wood, metal, fiberglass, or plastic. By semi-rigid it is meant
that the layer may flex. The firm backing layer can be much thinner and
less rigid than a conventional tennis backboard. This is so particularly
because the soft deadening layer absorbs much of the impact force of a
tennis ball directed at the backboard and lessens the impact force on the
firm backing layer.

[0027]The firm backing layer may also be or include a fabric mounted on a
frame. The fabric should be held at least moderately taut on the frame.
In one embodiment, the fabric consists of interlaced straps, such as that
found in a folding outdoor lawn chair.

[0028]The firm backing layer is beneath the soft deadening layer. By this
it is meant that the soft deadening layer forms the surface that is
struck by the tennis ball or is closer to the surface that is struck by
the tennis ball than the firm backing layer.

[0029]In a preferred embodiment, the soft deadening layer includes a
polymer foam, such as polyurethane foam. A particularly preferred
embodiment is a 2-4 inch layer of open-cell standard firmness
polyurethane foam.

[0030]A particularly preferred foam has a density of less than 2.5
lbs/ft3. We have used an open-cell polyurethane foam with a density
of approximately 1.45 lbs/ft3. A preferred foam has a compression
number of less than 45. The compression number is a standard measurement
used in the foam industry that is also known as the inertial load
deflection measurement. It is the amount of weight in pounds needed to
compress a 4-inch thick piece of foam to 3 inches of thickness. In the
test, the foam is a 15 inch by 15 inch square and the weight to compress
it is a cylinder with a 15 inch radius. We have used a foam with a
compression number of about 33.

[0031]An open-cell polyurethane with a density of less than 2.5
lbs/ft3 and a compression number of less than 45 that is 2-4 inches
thick (preferably 3-4 inches thick) allows the tennis ball to embed in
the foam, and then be thrown back by the rebound of the foam. Thus, the
ball does not come back due to the intrinsic rebound of the ball as it
would on a solid wall, where the balls deforms and then reforms as it
rebounds from the wall. Rather, it is the deformation and reformation of
the foam that accounts for the rebound. This results in a rebound
distance that is very similar (almost the same) regardless of how hard
the ball is hit. It also results in a rebound direction that tends to be
close to a perpendicular to the plane of the hitting surface of the
backboard. That is, if a ball is hit at an angle from the right, it tends
to come relatively straight out from the backboard, rather than
rebounding at an equal angle toward the left. All three factors of thick
foam, low weight density foam, and a low compression number foam
contribute to these rebound characteristics.

[0032]Thus, in some embodiments, the soft deadening layer comprises a
resilient polymer foam layer at least 2 inches thick, or at least 3
inches thick. In some embodiments, the soft deadening layer comprises
resilient polymer foam with a compression number of less than 50, less
than 45, less than 40, or less than 30. In some embodiments, the
resilient polymer foam has a density of less than 3.0, less than 2.5, or
less than 1.8 pounds per cubic foot. A low foam density also has the
advantage of reducing the weight of the apparatus, making it more
portable.

[0033]In some embodiments, the rebound of a tennis ball from the backboard
is due to resilience of the foam and is not dependent on the intrinsic
bounce of the ball. When this is the case, then the backboard or
apparatus produces an equivalent rebound when struck with a tennis ball
at 60 mph and when struck with a rigid ball of the same shape, size, and
weight as a tennis ball at 60 mph, where the rigid ball does not bounce
the same as the tennis ball against a rigid surface. As described above,
the advantages of this are that the rebound distance is similar
regardless of how hard a tennis ball is hit into the backboard, and the
direction of the rebound also tends to be similar regardless of the angle
of impact.

[0034]The soft deadening layer can be other types of polymer foam, such as
neoprene or cross-linked polyethylene. These are typically closed cell
foams. An open-cell foam is typically less dense and more easily deformed
than a closed cell foam and performs better in the backboard. However,
one disadvantage of open-cell foams is that they absorb water.
Closed-cell foams are advantageous for outdoor use in not absorbing
water. One particularly preferred type of closed cell foam is a
drain-through foam. These are closed-cell foams that are formed into an
open lattice work through which water can drain. The lattice work
compresses on impact, so that drain-through foams are more easily
compressed than other closed-cell foams. They thus can have compression
and rebound properties more similar to open-cell foam while also having
the advantage of being waterproof.

[0036]In a particular embodiment, the soft deadening layer is waterproof.
In another embodiment, it does not absorb water (e.g., water may run
through it without being absorbed). In other embodiments, the soft
deadening layer does absorb water.

[0037]In a particular embodiment, the soft deadening layer comprises an
air bladder. This can be similar to an air mattress. It can be composed
of a flexible airtight material forming a bladder inflated with air. The
bladder may be in some embodiments approximately 1-4 inches thick.

[0038]In a particular embodiment, the soft deadening layer comprises
fibrous polymer fill. The polymer can be natural or synthetic, e.g.,
cotton or polyester. For instance, the fibrous polymer fill can be cotton
or polyester quilt batting.

[0039]In particular embodiments, particularly where the soft deadening
layer absorbs water, the backboard may include a fabric cover 13 (FIGS. 2
and 5B) mounted over the soft deadening layer. The tennis ball in this
case would strike the fabric cover. The fabric cover may be waterproof,
particularly if the soft deadening layer absorbs water. Foam is typically
sold in 2×6 foot pieces. Thus, to cover a backboard area of, e.g.,
4×6 feet, at least two pieces of foam are needed. Smaller pieces of
foam are also easier and cheaper to ship than larger pieces. But if the
soft deadening layer is composed of separate pieces of foam, without a
fabric cover tennis balls that strike at the seam where two separate
pieces of foam abut will tend to lodge between the two pieces or at least
rebound irregularly. But if the backboard comprises a fabric cover, this
problem is entirely avoided. A consistent rebound is obtained even if a
ball strikes the fabric cover over a seam between separate pieces of
foam.

[0040]Thus, in particular embodiments, the soft deadening layer includes
two or more resilient foam pieces, the resilient foam pieces having
lateral edges and abutting each other along their lateral edges. The
lateral edges along which they abut may be oriented horizontally or
vertically or another direction. In specific embodiments, especially
where the soft deadening layer includes a plurality of pieces of foam,
the backboard includes a fabric cover covering the soft deadening layer
in use. Preferably, the fabric cover is detachable.

[0041]The fabric cover should have good flexibility and should generally
fit rather loosely over the soft deadening layer. It has been found with
polyurethane open cell foam as the soft deadening layer that if the
fabric is stiff or fits too tautly, the ball rebounds off the fabric
without embedding in the foam. The ball in this situation tends to
rebound at too high an angle and not far enough from the backboard.

[0042]Polyester fleece provides a good fabric cover that prevents balls
from lodging in the seam between separate pieces of foam, and slightly
adds to the deadening of the rebound.

[0043]A lightweight nylon ripstop (e.g., 1.9 oz. per sq. yard) also has
adequate flexibility to be a good fabric cover. If it is polyurethane
coated, it is also waterproof, which is important to keep a
water-absorbent deadening layer dry.

[0044]The apparatus may also include a further durable waterproof cover to
cover the backboard when not in use, to keep the backboard, including
other fabric covers used in the backboard, dry and protected from the
sun. The durable outer waterproof cover may be vinyl, for instance. This
durable waterproof cover is generally removed for use, but may optionally
be left on for use. If the vinyl cover is left on, the ball rebounds at a
higher angle and bounces a shorter distance from the backboard. This may
be suitable for some players who want to stand at a closer distance from
the backboard.

[0045]The fabric covers may be sewn to form a cap on their upper edges
that fits over the upper edge of the backboard. Thus, the fabric covers
hang from the upper edge of the backboard (FIGS. 4, 6B and 6C).

[0046]In specific embodiments, the soft deadening layer of the backboard
comprises resilient polymer foam that is detachable from the firm backing
layer. It is preferable that the foam be detachable for convenient
breakdown and storage of the apparatus. It is especially preferable that
the foam be detachable if the foam is an open-cell foam that absorbs
water, so that it can be removed to dry or clean in the event that it
gets wet. Detachable foam may be held in place by gravity as the foam
pieces rest against a backward leaning firm backing layer and on top of a
lower shelf or support pieces 33 at the bottom edge of the firm backing
layer. It can also be held in place by a combination of these factors.

[0047]In particular embodiments, the backboard is rectangular in shape and
3 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 12 feet wide. In particular embodiments, the
backboard is rectangular in shape and 4 to 6 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet
wide. In particular embodiments, the backboard has an area of no more
than 40, 35, 30, or 25 square feet.

[0048]Preferably the backboard has a top edge, a bottom edge, a right
edge, and a left edge (which may be curved or straight and may not be
oriented perfectly vertically or horizontally), and the distance between
the top and bottom edges is at least 3.5 feet at the tallest point, and
the distance between the right and left edges is at least 3.5 feet at the
widest point. These dimensions are generally necessary to provide a large
enough target for players of average skill to consistently hit the
backboard.

[0049]Preferably the apparatus is small enough and light enough to be
movable. In particular embodiments, the apparatus weighs less than 100
pound, less than 70 pounds, or less than 50 pounds. These weights are
light enough to allow most adults to move the apparatus without the help
of a second person. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes
detachable weights 5 that mount on the apparatus to stabilize the
apparatus against tipping over in the wind, e.g., on feet of a base or on
a stand. The weight of these detachable weights is not included in the
weight limits listed here.

[0050]The backboard 10 is supported on a stand 30 shown in FIGS. 1A, 2B,
5, and 6B. If the backboard is supported so that the bottom edge of the
backboard is 3 to 3.5 feet off the ground, the bottom edge is at the
regulation height of a tennis net, which is 3 feet high in the center of
the court and 3.5 feet at the outer ends. This is a convenient height,
and holding the backboard at this height helps train the player to hit
the ball over the net. Mounting the backboard so it does not extend all
the way to the ground also reduces the needed weight of the backboard.
The bottom edge of the backboard at approximately net height also
provides a convenient handle with which to hold and carry the apparatus.

[0051]Thus, one embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus 1
comprising a tennis backboard 10 mounted on a stand 30. The stand 30
comprises two or more legs 31. The backboard 10 is typically attached to
the stand 30, but in some embodiments it could be mounted on the stand by
resting on the stand, connected only by gravity.

[0052]In particular embodiments, the backboard has a top and a bottom edge
and a right and a left edge, and the backboard is mounted such that the
bottom edge is about 2.5-4.0 feet above the ground, preferably 3.0-3.5
feet above the ground.

[0053]In particular embodiments, the backboard is permanently or
semi-permanently mounted on the legs. Permanent or semi-permanent
mounting could be, for instance, by means of rivets or nuts and bolts.

[0054]In other embodiments, the backboard is detachably mounted on the
legs. For instance, it may simply rest by gravity on a stand supported by
the legs. The backboard may also be attached to the legs, or the stand
supported by the legs, by means of quick-release clamps or bolts and wing
nuts designed to be quickly detached by hand.

[0055]The stand holding the backboard may be free standing and movable, or
it may lean against a permanent structure, such as a house or garage. The
legs of the stand may also be permanently mounted in the ground, or
attached to a structure mounted in the ground, such as fence posts for a
public tennis court, if the apparatus is not portable.

[0056]The backboard may be mounted on the legs in a vertical position. It
also may be mounted at a backward angle of 1 to 45 degrees relative to a
perpendicular to the ground, more preferably 5 to 30 degrees, most
preferably about 10 degrees relative to a perpendicular to the ground.
With a backward angle, the backboard will rebound a struck tennis ball at
a higher trajectory than a vertical backboard. This can be advantageous.
From a vertical backboard, a ball tends to come back with a lower
trajectory than does a ball in a rally between two players on a court.
Mounting the backboard at a backward angle causes the ball to rebound at
a higher trajectory and drop to the player from a greater height than
does a ball rebounded from a conventional backboard. This trajectory of
the ball is somewhat more realistic in reproducing the experience of a
rally in a tennis match. If a conventional rigid hard-surface backboard
were mounted with a backward lean, the ball would tend to ricochet so
high and far that it would be impossible to sustain a rally. But with the
deadening layer of the present backboard, the rebound of the ball is
reduced so that the backboard launches a rebounded ball at a comfortable
and realistic arc that drops the ball a relatively short distance from
the backboard. Thus, the player can easily sustain a long rally against
the backboard even, or especially, when the backboard is mounted with a
backward lean. A preferred backward lean is 5-30° from a
perpendicular to the ground, more preferably about 10°.

[0057]Another advantage of mounting the backboard at a backward lean is
that then gravity can be used to hold the soft deadening layer in place.
For instance, open-cell polyurethane foam 2-4 inches thick can be used
for the soft deadening layer. If the backboard leans backward, these can
be held in place by resting by gravity on the firm backing layer and on a
shelf or support pieces at the lower edge of the backboard. Foam this
thick has enough strength to hold its shape so that it can stand upright
and be held by gravity leaning against the firm backing layer, as is
shown with foam pieces 15 resting against firm backing layer 11 in FIGS.
1A, 2A, 5, and 6A. Foam 2-4 inches thick is also strong enough to be
supported by the support pieces 33 in FIG. 5. A thinner layer of foam
lacks the strength to hold a flat shape. Thus, it ordinarily cannot be
detachable and must be attached to the firm backing layer, for instance
by gluing, in order for it to stay in place. That is another advantage of
using foam at least 2 inches thick.

[0058]In a particular embodiment of the invention, the soft deadening
layer is a layer of a resilient foam at least 2 inches thick.

[0059]In a particular embodiment of the backboard, the soft deadening
layer is a closed cell foam.

[0060]In a particular embodiment of the backboard, particularly where the
soft deadening layer is closed cell foam, the backboard does not have a
waterproof cover or film covering the soft deadening layer.

[0061]Where the soft deadening layer is or comprises foam, and especially
particularly open cell foam, the foam in general does not have an
adherent waterproof film or adherent waterproof fabric bonded to the
foam. An adherent waterproof film or adherent waterproof fabric tends to
interfere with the rebound properties of the backboard and prevent balls
from embedding in the foam and rebounding straight out from the foam.
Instead, the balls fail to embed in the foam and tend to rebound at an
upward angle that is often excessive.

[0062]In a particular embodiment, the soft deadening layer is detachable.
That is, it can be removed by hand. It is not glued to the backing layer,
or attached by permanent or semi-permanent fasteners.

[0063]Preferably, the apparatuses of the invention are free standing. The
apparatus may alternatively be adapted to lean against a structure such
as a house or garage.

[0064]In one embodiment of the apparatus involving a backboard mounted on
a stand comprising a plurality of legs, the stand contacts the ground at
least three points covering a depth of at least 3 feet forward-to-back
(in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the backboard), and the
apparatus is free-standing. Examples of this are shown in the FIGS. In
FIGS. 5-6C the backboard 10 is mounted on legs 31 and the legs are
supported by two parallel feet 42 and cross braces 43. The feet contact
the ground and are at least 3 feet long. The feet are preferably 4-6 feet
long. The legs 31, feet 42, and cross braces 43 collectively constitute a
"stand" 30, as the term is used herein.

[0065]In particular embodiments, the backboard is detachable from the
base.

[0066]In particular embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more
stabilizing weights detachably coupled to the base or stand to stabilize
the apparatus. For instance, in FIG. 6, detachable weights 5 are placed
over the ends of each of the two feet 42 to stabilize the apparatus,
particularly to stabilize it against overturning in high winds. The
detachable weights may be, for instance, sand bags, saddle bags holding
one or two bricks on each side of the saddle bag, or a molded piece
filled with water, sand, or gravel. The detachable weights are preferably
light enough to be conveniently removed when a user wants to move the
apparatus, e.g., less than 50 pounds or less than 25 pounds each.

[0067]In some tennis backboards, the backboard has an opening to serve as
a target and capture balls hitting the opening in the backboard, or an
opening through which balls are fired by a ball machine from the
backboard. The present apparatus does not generally have these features.
The apparatus generally does not have an opening in the fabric cover or
soft deadening layer of the backboard or the firm backing layer to allow
struck balls to pass through or be captured.

[0068]FIGS. 1-4 show one embodiment of a tennis training apparatus 1 of
the invention. Firm backing layer 11 is shown. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, the firm backing layer 11 is plastic, and is formed as one piece
coupled to walls 19 and a flange 17 on the perimeter of the firm backing
layer. The walls 19 are at right angles to the firm backing layer 11, and
the flanges 17 are at right angles to the walls 19 and parallel to the
firm backing layer 11. These changes of angles help to provide structure
and strength to the firm backing layer. The flange 17 also serves as an
attachment for a fitted fabric cover 13 with a cord 14 attached to the
fabric cover about the perimeter of the fabric cover shown in FIG. 2B.
The cord 14 may be, for instance, sewn into a hem of the fabric cover or
attached to the perimeter of the fabric cover by loops sewn to the cover.
The cord 14 of the fabric cover 13 fits around and behind the flange 17
to hold the fabric cover onto the backboard 10.

[0069]In FIG. 1A, steel side rails 70 are also shown attached to the
backboard and these rails contain receptacles 71 for legs 31. The legs 31
are coupled to the backboard 10 through attachment to receptacles 71.

[0070]In FIG. 1B the backing layer 11 is shown with ribs 18. The ribs are
formed into the plastic of the backing layer to give it enhanced rigidity
and strength. This allows thinner and weaker plastic than would otherwise
be possible, reducing the weight of the apparatus and making it more
portable.

[0072]A lower net 50 is shown in FIG. 2B. It serves to catch misses below
the backboard. In FIG. 2B, the upper edge of the lower net 50 is a solid
white band 51, so the lower net resembles a tennis net. The solid band 51
could be other colors than white or could be absent in other embodiments.
The lower net is coupled to the firm backing layer by grommets in the
ends of the white band, with the grommets fitting over a bolt through the
walls 19 of the backboard 10. In a preferred embodiment, the white fabric
band 51 includes an elastic band 52 that serves to keep the upper edge of
the lower net taut. The elastic band, for example, may be sewn into a
fabric pocket where the white fabric band is a fabric pocket.

[0073]The tennis training apparatus may also include an upper net 60, as
shown in FIG. 3, to catch balls that miss above the backboard. In FIG. 3
the upper net 60 includes fabric pockets 62 on the left and right lateral
edges of the upper net adapted to fit over net poles 61. The net poles 61
are held to the backboard by net pole holders 64. The net pole holders 64
can be, in one embodiment, an broom-handle holder that snaps over the
upper net pole for the upper net pole holder. A lower net pole holder in
one embodiment is a support bracket over which the opening on the lower
end of the net pole can fit.

[0074]In FIG. 3 the upper net 60 is also shown with an elastic band 63
along its upper edge to hold the upper edge of the net straight across.
The elastic can be, for instance, threaded through the holes of netting
along the upper edge of the net, and attached to the fabric pocket 62 on
its ends.

[0075]In FIG. 4 a rain cover 14 is shown. The rain cover can be sewn so
its upper edge forms a cap that fits over the top edge of the backboard.

[0076]FIG. 5-6 show a tennis training apparatus that can be assembled from
a do-it-yourself kit. The firm backing layer 11 can be a sheet of
plywood, e.g., 4 feet×6 feet. The backing layer 11 is attached to
legs 31, which are attached to feet 42 and cross braces 43. The legs,
feet, and cross braces collectively constitute a stand 30. The pieces are
connected by connectors 16, e.g., bolts and nuts and wood screws.

[0077]FIG. 5 also shows three support pieces 33 that are connected to the
plywood firm backing layer 11. The support pieces may be metal L
brackets. The support pieces 33 may also be formed plastic L brackets
with a horizontal surface that is the same length as the foam is deep,
e.g., 2-4 inches. In one embodiment the support pieces 33 are each about
1 inch wide. In another embodiment 1-5, 2-5, or at least 2 inches wide.
The support pieces 33 support three pieces of foam 15 that form a soft
deadening layer 12. A fleece cover 13 is sewn with a cap along its upper
edge so it can drape over the backboard to cover the foam pieces.

[0078]The support pieces 33 should be wide enough to support the foam
without the foam deforming around the support piece. But the support
pieces do not need to be as wide as the foam and support the entire
bottom edge of the foam. We have found that support pieces of 2-5 inches
wide are suitable to support a single piece of foam that is 4 inches
thick, 4 feet tall, and 2 feet wide.

[0079]The apparatus of FIGS. 5-6 is also shown with lower net support
boards 55. The lower net support boards 55 are attached to the legs 31 or
firm backing layer 11 and serve as a base for the lower net to wrap
around to hold the lower net at the front surface of the foam pieces, in
front of the foam and in front of the fabric cover 13. Again, the lower
net may have grommets in an upper white band 51, which has an elastic in
it. The grommets can fit over a bolt through the nut support boards 55 to
attach the net to the apparatus near the lower edge of the backboard.

[0080]A removable rain cover 14 is also shown. Detachable weights 5 are
shown draped over the front and rear ends of each foot 42.

[0081]The tennis training apparatus shown in FIGS. 5-6 may be assembled
from a kit that includes one or more pieces of resilient polymer foam, a
fabric cover (e.g. fleece) to cover the foam pieces in use, one or more
support pieces adapted to be attached to the firm backing layer and to
support the foam pieces so that they rest against the firm backing layer,
and connectors for connecting the firm backing layer to the stand. The
kit preferably does not contain the firm backing layer or the stand. But
in alternative embodiments, the kit may include the firm backing layer
but not the stand, or the stand but not the firm backing layer. The kit
typically includes assembly instructions directing the user to purchase,
e.g., a sheet of plywood for the firm backing layer, and appropriate
lumber for the legs, feet, and cross-braces, and net support boards. The
instructions indicate the lengths to cut the lumber and the positions to
drill holes for the connectors.

[0082]Thus, in one embodiment of the apparatus the firm backing layer is
composed primarily of plastic, has a back surface and a front surface,
and has protruding ribs formed on its back surface that enhance rigidity
of the plastic firm backing layer.

[0083]In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a lower net adapted to be
attached directly or indirectly to the legs or firm backing layer and
extend below the backboard to the ground to catch missed tennis balls
below the backboard.

[0084]The net has an upper edge and preferably includes a solid fabric
band (preferably a solid white fabric band) along the upper edge.
Preferably the solid fabric band includes an elastic band to hold the
upper edge of the net taut.

[0085]In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an upper net
that is attached directly or indirectly to the firm backing layer and
extends above the backboard to catch tennis balls that miss above the
backboard.

[0086]In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises two upper net
poles, and two or more net pole holders, wherein the net pole holders are
attached directly or indirectly to the firm backing layer and hold the
upper net poles, wherein the upper net has a left and right lateral edge
and an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper net comprises fabric
pockets on the left and right lateral edges adapted to fit over the upper
net poles, and the upper net comprises an elastic attached along the
upper edge of the upper net adapted to keep the upper edge of the upper
net taut on the apparatus.

[0087]In preferred embodiments of the apparatus, the stand of the
apparatus comprises a plurality of legs, the backboard has a top and a
bottom edge and a right and a left edge, and the backboard is mounted on
the stand such that the bottom edge of the backboard is 2.5-4.0 feet
above the ground.

[0088]In one embodiment of the kit, the kit comprises a lower net as
discussed above adapted to be attached directly or indirectly to the
stand or firm backing layer and extend below the backboard to the ground
to catch missed tennis balls below the backboard.

[0089]In some embodiments of the kit, the kit further includes a
detachable rain cover adapted to be removed when the apparatus is in use.

[0090]Preferably in the kit, the foam pieces after assembly of the
apparatus are detachable from the firm backing layer.

[0091]In a preferred embodiment of the kit, the kit includes more than one
foam piece, and the foam pieces are adapted to abut each other laterally
on the firm backing layer and be covered by the fabric cover in the
tennis rebound apparatus, the fabric cover covering the abutment between
the foam pieces.

[0092]In specific embodiments of the kit, the foam pieces can cover an
area of no more than 40 square feet, no more than 35 square feet, or no
more than 30 square feet.

[0093]In some embodiments of the kit and the apparatus, the first fabric
cover is not waterproof, and the kit or apparatus further comprises a
second non-waterproof fabric cover adapted to fit over the foam pieces
and first fabric cover on the backboard and to decrease the rebound of a
tennis ball from the backboard by at least one foot, preferably at least
two feet, as compared to the rebound without the second fabric cover.
This is a deadening fabric cover that serves to further decrease the
rebound so the apparatus can be used in more confined spaces, such as
inside a garage. The deadening cover is also useful for players who
prefer to stand closer to the backboard, such as beginners who find that
they miss the backboard too often if they stand farther away. Reducing
the rebound by one foot allows the user to stand approximately two feet
closer to the backboard, because the distance traveled by the ball after
it bounces on the ground is also reduced by the decreased velocity of the
ball.

[0094]In other embodiments of the kit, the kit includes a second net that
is an upper net adapted to be attached directly or indirectly to the firm
backing layer and to extend above the backboard to catch tennis balls
that miss above the backboard.

[0095]With the upper net, the kit preferably further comprises two upper
net poles, and two or more net pole holders, the net pole holders adapted
to be attached directly or indirectly to the firm backing layer and to
hold the upper net poles, wherein the upper net has a left and right
lateral edge and an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper net comprises
fabric pockets on the left and right lateral edges adapted to fit over
the upper net poles, and the upper net comprises an elastic attached
along the upper edge of the upper net adapted to keep the upper edge of
the upper net taut on the apparatus.

[0096]In the kit, the support pieces that support the foam are in one
embodiment brackets having a surface for attachment to the firm backing
layer and a horizontal support surface that is 2 or more inches wide for
supporting the foam pieces. In one embodiment, the horizontal support
surface of each bracket is 2-5 inches wide.

[0097]All patents, patent documents, and other references cited are hereby
incorporated by reference.

While it may be a nice presentation and potentially a m, this should not have a patent. I have seen and used various creations of foam and netting for many years in both clubs and &quot;backyards&quot;. It is a relatively common and existing use of materials and design for the same purpose... not a new idea nor a significantly enhanced version of pre-existing assemblies.